Lloyd Osbourne (June 19, 1868 – May 21, 1947) was an American-born writer and the son of author Robert Louis Stevenson and his second wife, Fanny Osbourne. He is known for collaborating with his father on several literary works and for authoring his own novels and short stories.
Early Life and Education
- Birth: Born in San Francisco, California, United States.
- Parents: Son of Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, and Fanny Osbourne, an American actress and writer.
- Childhood: Spent part of his early years in San Francisco before moving with his family to Europe and later to the South Pacific, where his father pursued writing projects.
Literary Career
- Collaboration with Robert Louis Stevenson:
- Co-authored The Wrong Box (1889) and The Ebb-Tide (1894) with his father. These works were published under both their names.
- Assisted in revising and editing several of Stevenson’s manuscripts during their time in Samoa.
- Independent Works:
- Authored several novels, including The Fugitives (1899), The Avalon (1901), and The Lost Ones (1923).
- Published collections of short stories and contributed articles to periodicals in the United States and the United Kingdom.
- Genres: Primarily wrote adventure fiction and travel narratives, often reflecting his experiences in the Pacific islands.
Personal Life
- Residences: Lived in various locations, including San Francisco, London, and Samoa, reflecting his transatlantic family background.
- Family: Married twice and had children, though details of his descendants are limited in public records.
- Later Years: Returned to the United States in the early 20th century, where he continued writing and engaging with literary societies.
Death
- Date of Death: May 21, 1947.
- Place of Death: New York City, New York, United States.
Legacy
- While not as widely recognized as his father, Lloyd Osbourne’s collaborative works contribute to the broader Stevenson bibliography. His solo novels provide insight into early 20th‑century adventure literature and the cultural milieu of the Pacific region during that era.
Selected Bibliography
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1889 | The Wrong Box (with Robert Louis Stevenson) | Satirical novel |
| 1894 | The Ebb‑Tide (with Robert Louis Stevenson) | Adventure novel set in the South Pacific |
| 1899 | The Fugitives | Stand‑alone novel |
| 1901 | The Avalon | Novel exploring themes of exile |
| 1923 | The Lost Ones | Later novel, less commercially successful |
References
- Encyclopædia Britannica (entry on Lloyd Osbourne).
- Robert Louis Stevenson: The Life and Legacy (biographical works referencing his son’s collaborations).
- Library of Congress Catalog (author entries for Lloyd Osbourne).
